AboutTea & Oranges

Our Service Pledge

I guarantee that all items have been designed and created by me unless otherwise stated. Occasionally, I may offer for sale items I have purchased from other artisans - and I will tell you that, and, when I can, tell you who they are. To the best of my ability I guarantee the truth of all claims made by me regarding the quality or origins of the components used in my own items. And, most important, I want you to be happy with your purchase. If you are not, I will do what I can to make it right, or I will refund your purchase price in full upon return of the item, as long as you return it to me in the condition you received and follow the return procedures laid out by Ruby Lane. No hassles!

About Us

ABOUT PAYMENTS; I accept most methods of payment but I prefer PAYPAL for its special services to both Sellers and Purchasers. For instance, your label is printed from information you provide, PayPal informs you of shipment dates and tracking information, and, in the one instance of a "lost package" in my almost 8 years with Ruby Lane, PayPal reimbursed both my client and myself for the cost of the item! I also accept Amazon Payments, money orders, official checks and, in most cases, personal checks.

SHIPPING: Ruby Lane Policy suggests that items be shipped within 3 to 5 business days after payment has cleared. I hold to that policy and the reason I don't ship immediately is that, after purchase, your item is thoroughly cleaned, scrupulously checked for quality issues, and then gift wrapped in a hot pink presentation box with black satin ribbon. It is then packaged in bubble wrap envelopes or Priority Mail shipping materials.

ONE OF A KIND: All my pieces are one of a kind, absolutely, positively. If you see something you love but it's been sold, I can create something very similar.

CUSTOM WORK: Feel free to ask - in most cases you will receive! I am happy to create custom pieces for long-standing clients whom I've gotten to know through email. But custom work almost always requires a great deal of back and forth with emails, with searching out and often purchasing materials, and with continual interviewing to be sure the client will be delighted;

ABOUT ME: I've been an artist all my life - painting, decorating, embellishing everything that came within 3 feet of me. For the last 15 years, I've specialized in contemporary abstract paintings which I create with watermedia. Designing and handcrafting jewelry is another road I'm taking on my artistic journey. For me, creating a piece of jewelry is similar to the process of creating a painting: it starts with a passionate vision, then there's lots of work with color and design and texture, and it culminates in the ultimate pleasure of the viewer/wearer. I like being different, I enjoy being considered "original." So you won't find mass production here. My pieces are imagined and brought to reality once. The next piece will start and end someplace else. I use the finest materials I can acquire. It's something I believe in no matter what I'm doing. I am very proud to be supporting the work of other artisans by using their pieces as components in my work: silver and vermeil pieces from the Karen Hilltribes of Thailand; handmade charms from American artists: and beautiful lampwork beads and focals torched by some of our country's best glass artists. Come and take a look! I am sure you'll find something that will delight you!

Here's what happy customers have said about their purchases:

Dear Kate, the necklace is AMAZING! I have worn it twice and have been stopped multiple times with compliments. Accolades to you, my Dear. Fabulous and special, thank you. ***************************************** When I arrived home today the necklace and earrings were waiting for me. I can’t begin to tell you how much I love the pieces. It’s all I wanted and more. I just can’t believe how wonderful it is....What artistry you’ve put into it. I've never seen a piece as unique and wonderful....I’ll be back again and again....The packaging and presentation were so special. I savored every moment during the opening of the package. Thanks for taking such care....I'll enjoy it forever and will wear it with pride. ****************************************** The bracelet arrived this afternoon, and I love it, love it, love it! Thank you for the quick and wonderful adjustment - I 'm ready for summer to begin now, eh?! ********************************* Just received the earrings today and they're fabulous!! I will definately get a lot of use out of them, they go with everything! ************************************ I received the earrings and they are spectacular:) WOW I just love them. I have the(m) on and they are gorgeous. I am very happy to have found your shop and look forward to keeping my eye out for future treasures from you. The quality is outstanding. Your craftmenship, amazing. I am hooked. :) ************************ Hi Kate! I received both pieces today and really love them! Thanks so much! ************************ Kate, They arrived and are exquisite!!!!!! I'll be back! *************************************** Hi Kate .. I received the bracelet today! It is beautiful! I am very pleased with it ï¾….delighted with it, and look forward to wearing it for Christmas. ************************************** Hi Kate, Your work is GORGEOUS!! ************************************* Kate, I got the earrings today. They are sooooo pretty! Boy are they eye-catching! I can't wait to wear them.... ****************************************** Received my package yesterday...just love the jewelry! The pendant is perfect....The earrings are great...can't wait to wear it all! ************************************ Hi Kate. I just got the package this afternoon. Wow!! You are so talented and so creative. The pieces are beautifulï¾…ï¾…ï¾…ï¾… I love them. Thanks for the lovely packaging and lovely card and for all your effort. ************************** Hi Kate, Just to let your know that my earrings got here today and I love, love, love them. I'm wareing them to work tomorrow. Thanks for being so helpful and I sure will be back... *************************************** just wanted to tell you how much I am enjoying wearing these earrings! They are the perfect length and most importantly the right weight. These are great !!!! ********************************** Thank you so much for my birthday present!!! Even if its not my birthday! The delightful handmade card and the sweet ribbon around my box, it felt very special! The earrings are gorgeous!!! They are both different! You are very creative! My first time ordering from Ruby Lane and of all that I saw, YOURS I had to have first! I will order again! ********************************** Received the earrings today, and of course, they are stunning, but look even better on. *************************************